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Boxing legend Leon Spinks dies at 67

by Sarah Polus - 02/06/21 10:08 PM ET

Former world heavyweight champion Leon Spinks died Friday night at the age of 67 following a five-year battle with prostate cancer and other cancers, according to multiple outlets.

The Nevada Hall of Fame boxer passed Friday night with his wife, Brenda Glur Spinks, by his side.

“Due to Covid restrictions, only a few close friends and other family were present,” a statement obtained by CNN read.

The boxing legend became a household name after beating Muhammad Ali in 1978.

Spinks has dealt with multiple cancer diagnoses over the years, including one for prostate cancer in 2019.

His unexpected victory is considered one of the sport’s biggest upsets to date, as it was only his eighth professional fight at the time, according to USA Today.

Among his many accomplishments, Spinks represented the United States in the 1976 Olympics, winning a gold medal. Throughout his career, Spinks fought 72 professional fights. In 1995, he retired from the sport with a 26-17-3 record with 14 knockouts, according to CNN.